An enthalpy formulation for thermocline with encapsulated PCM thermal storage and benchmark solution using the method of characteristics

Eric Tumilowicz, Cho Lik Chan, Ben Xu, Peiwen Li

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

An enthalpy-based model of thermocline operation general to both single phase and encapsulated phase change filler materials was created in MATLAB. The method of characteristics is applied in space and time, mapping fluid temperature and filler enthalpy to a numerical grid, and in the case of a melting filler, allowing accurate tracking of phase state interfaces to fractional positions of the grid. Careful consideration of various possible heat transfer conditions along with placement of phase state interfaces in the numerical grid allows for extreme versatility and accuracy in model application. Input of specific fluid and filler properties, tank size, time of operation, and initial and boundary conditions returns a full representation to any desired amount of charge/discharge processes or cycles. The paper covers mathematical formulation, certain intricacies of numerical implementation, model verification, and the beginnings of application to prove proper operation and generality.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conf. Collocated with the ASME 2013 7th Int. Conf. on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th Int. Conf. on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, HT 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2013 Collocated with the ASME 2013 7th International Conference on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology - Minneapolis, MN, United States
Duration: Jul 14 2013Jul 19 2013

Publication series

NameASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conf. Collocated with the ASME 2013 7th Int. Conf. on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th Int. Conf. on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, HT 2013
Volume1

Other

OtherASME 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2013 Collocated with the ASME 2013 7th International Conference on Energy Sustainability and the ASME 2013 11th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMinneapolis, MN
Period7/14/137/19/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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